She combed through community cookbooks and searched out long-lost heirloom recipes, sure-handedly reworking every recipe in her own kitchen. THE ALL-AMERICAN COOKIE BOOK celebrates regional gems from every corner of the country: Pennsylvania Dutch Soft Sugar Cookies, New York Black and Whites, New Mexican Biscochitos, Key Lime Frosties from Florida, and Mocha Espresso Wafers from Seattle. A sophisticated hazelnut chocolate sandwich cookie that was the closely guarded secret of an Oregon hostess is here, and so is a delightfully crisp (and easy to roll out) old-fashioned gingerbread cookie recreated from a handwritten 1880 notebook. Homespun classics abound: Chocolate Whoopie Pies, Caramel Apple Crumb Bars, Chocolate Chunk Brownies, and Caramel-Frosted Brown Sugar Drops. The collection also features devastatingly delicious contemporary creations like Chewy Chocolate Chunk Monster Cookies and Cranberry-Cherry Icebox Ribbons. For children and adults alike, one of the most exciting chapters will be the lavishly illustrated “Cookie Decorating and Crafts,” which includes everything from simple projects like Christmas cookies and Chocolate Gingerbread Bears to an elaborate gingerbread house. As Nancy Baggett tells the story of America’s heritage, she slips in fascinating bits of history, showing the evolution of our homegrown baking traditions.

    Inside you'll find Michael's all-time favourite recipes, the ones he cooks regularly in his own home kitchen—lots of wonderful, memorable flavours that you'll enjoy with your family and friends. Chef Michael Smith's Kitchen features over 100 fabulous, easy-to-make recipes, each with a mouth-watering photo. Start your day with French Toast Sandwiches Oatmeal Crusted with Blueberry Stuffing and Marmalade Mint Butter or Apple Pie Pancakes with Caramel Syrup. Enjoy Coconut Crusted Chicken with Mango Mint Salsa or Honey Mustard Barbecue Baked Baby Back Ribs, or a great fish dish like Grilled Tuna Steak or Pan Seared Scallops with House Wine Sauce for a wonderful dinner. You'll also find lots of recipes for delicious vegetables, grains, and side dishes like Nutmeg Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Wilted Baby Spinach or Sausage Sage Bread Pudding. And of course, Michael's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups and Triple-Treat Creamsicle Marshmallows are sure to become your favourite treats to finish off any meal.Chef Michael invites you to enjoy cooking his favourite recipes and to make them yours.

    More than 40 easy recipes including Beef & Butternut Squash Stew, and Pennsylvania Dutch Pot Pie - plus lots of tips helpful money-saving tips. With an emphasis on unprocessed foods, and simple, from-scratch cooking, The Hard Times Kitchen – Homestyle Recipes on a Small Budget is sure to please both the experienced home cook and the beginner alike.